The Islamic State: Cultural Dissociation
For my review, I viewed Vice News’ documentary, “The Islamic State”. The documentary itself takes an inside look at the intricacies of the Islamic State, such as its day to day operations, enforcement of law implemented, as well as the…
The Prose and Poetry in Al-Muntalaq
Al-Muntalaq, “The beginning of a journey” or “setting out for a journey” is a book which was written by Muhammad Ahmad Ar-Rashid. This book has a religious-motivational theme that brings up the topics like the purpose of life, the challenges…
Him, Me, and Muhammed Ali irreverently moves readers between fits of laughter and tears
The collection of short stories in Him, Me, and Muhammed Ali, by Randa Jarrar weaves us through experiences of love, loss, sexuality, perseverance, identity, displacement, family, and the patriarchy through vibrant characters most of whom are women. The stories are…
Language is Like Love: Cherish It or You Lose It
Western civilization is seen as the eagle bearer of advancement. It stands for technological development, research development and so much more that serves as a step forward for humanity. To be western in this day and age is to be…
The Time That Remains: A Review
The Time That Remains: Chronicle of a present absentee, a film by Palestinian director Elias Suleiman, tells the semi-autobiographical story of life in Palestine from al-Nakba. The story begins with Fouad Suleiman as a resistance fighter in the 1940s and…
Nelly and Sherihan: Utilizing Comedy for Social Commentary
Nelly and Sherihan is an Egyptian comedy show that aired during the summer of 2016, with about 30 episodes. The show is a Ramadan “Mosalsal,” which means that it aired a new episode each day for the entire month of…
Saving a Dead Sea Brings More than Just Water Back to Life
The last couple years in the Indie/Alternative music scene have been something of dreams. New bands are emerging left and right and it seems every Friday another handful of incredibly solid albums drop. Tie this into the increasing mainstream popularity…
5 Broken Cameras (2011): An Enduring Document of the Palestinian Experience for Westerners and Arabs Alike
The Palestinian Question, without exception, incites immense intellectual, political, and artistic activity throughout Arab cultures. The historical pains of the Nakba and the 1967 War are felt not only by Palestine and its diaspora, but shared among all Arabs who…
Barakah meets Barakah; A loop of happy one day then bitter for a few days
Saudi Arabia is a very rich country that is growing economically and socially; however, many of the people of the country are still socially conservative, family oriented and rooted in religious and cultural customs. The strict laws of the country…
Sarcasm will save your soul
Tickling Giants is a reminder that humor is an instrumental power check in all societies. When the revolutionary wave of the Arab Spring struck Egypt in 2011, surgeon Bassam Yousef elected laughter as the country’s most promising medicine. The…